A man's daring attempt to steal copper has left him in a critical condition, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of tampering with high-voltage power lines. The incident, which occurred in Toowoomba, Queensland, has sparked a police investigation and raised concerns about the growing issue of metal theft.
According to reports, the 31-year-old man was attempting to steal copper by cutting into an 11,000-volt line on Ascot Street. However, his attempt was met with a high-voltage shock from an underground cable, resulting in significant burns to his chest and face. Emergency services were called to the scene, and the man was taken to Toowoomba Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
The man's actions could have had catastrophic consequences. An Ergon Energy spokesperson described the situation as 'lucky to be alive', emphasizing the potential for an explosion that would have created an airborne fireball about 2 meters in diameter. The fireball, they added, would have been hotter than the surface of the sun.
This incident has prompted a police investigation, with officers finding the man at Toowoomba Hospital in a critical condition. Police believe he managed to make his way 250 meters to a service station on Tor Street to call for help. The Southern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner, Doug McDonald, expressed his disbelief at the man's actions, describing them as 'the height of stupidity'.
McDonald also highlighted the growing issue of metal theft, particularly copper, which is a significant concern for police across the state. He emphasized the risks taken by thieves, who are putting themselves and others in danger. Ergon Energy spends approximately $4.5 million a year in Queensland due to copper thefts and plans to replace all wires with aluminium during upgrades.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of tampering with high-voltage power lines. It also underscores the importance of addressing the issue of metal theft, which poses a significant risk to public safety and infrastructure.
